FEATURED PARK: Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, New Jersey

This historic development in Paterson, New Jersey, was named as the nation's newest national park site in November 2011. While the striking 77-foot falls themselves are a natural wonder, the history of the mill town that developed around them and the local unions' struggles for workers' rights at the turn of the 20th century are just as fascinating.

Stop Congress from Opening the Park System to Hunting

Last month, the House of Representatives passed a bill that could allow hunting in the vast majority of the National Park System. We need your help to stop this bill from affecting those places in the park system, such as Gettysburg, the Flight 93 Memorial, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and other historic and cultural sites, that were never intended to accommodate this incompatible practice.

Preserving History and Creating Jobs near Wilderness Battlefield

Too often, efforts to protect historic sites pit preservationists against landowners and developers. But when Walmart planned to build a superstore near the historic Wilderness Battlefield, then later changed its plans, community groups and business leaders worked together to explore economic development options that would emphasize rather than harm the area's rich history. A new report affirms that yes, it can be done.

Headed to a National Park with Your Camera? Read These Tips!

It's time to start enjoying a few warm-weather getaways, and of course, you'll want to bring your camera along. But at national parks, thousands of people capture the same iconic landscapes and monuments over and over again in their travel pictures. Here are a few suggestions to add variety and interest to your pictures so they really stand out.

Innovative Partnerships Celebrate Regional History

National heritage areas are independently managed parks that celebrate local history across America. Most of these 49 areas, which make up hundreds of thousands of acres around the country, are managed by innovative local partnerships—not by federal land managers. Are they the "future of the Park Service"?

Do Mountain Bikes Belong in National Parks?

A growing number of park visitors want to enjoy off-road trails from the seat of a mountain bike. Welcoming two-wheeled tourists is a way to entice new visitors to the parks, especially younger ones. But would more bicycles take a heavier toll on natural resources—and park rangers? Read more in the latest issue of National Parks magazine.

23,743 Luminaries Commemorate the Battle of Shiloh

Last month, Shiloh National Military Park commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh by lighting 23,743 candles throughout the park—one to honor each casualty from the two-day battle. Not only did the "Grand Illumination" serve as a moving highlight to two weeks of related events, it also broke visitation records at the secluded Tennessee park.

NPCA PARKSCAPESArches, Canyonlands, & Monument Valley

This September, NPCA will host a special, small-group tour to the Southwest. Interested? Join our 60-minute webinar next week for more details about our plans to explore Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, and Monument Valley. The virtual journey begins on Tuesday, May 8 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Xanterra's Change for Good

As the country's largest, most progressive national park concessioner, Xanterra Parks & Resorts takes the preservation and stewardship of our nation's most valuable resources very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that they proudly display an unwavering dedication to providing legendary hospitality with a softer footprint. Now when you visit one of Xanterra's legendary places, you are playing an important part in preserving these sacred places for our children's children.

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Save Taxes: Make the National Parks Your Legacy

Did you know that by naming the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) as a beneficiary on a retirement account, such as a 401(K) or 403(B), you can prevent your heirs from having to pay taxes on those assets? Learn more on our website, or by calling Director of Gift Planning Morgan Dodd toll-free at 1-877-468-5775.